Outgoing French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday night. The courtesy meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, according to BNP media wing official Shamsuddin Didar.

Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, a DUCSU election candidate from the BNP’s student front, criticized BNP leader Fazlur Rahman, a former Awami League MP and ex-Chatra League leader. Hamim accused Fazlur of belittling the historic July uprising and the August 5 people’s movement, quoting him as saying “August 5 was the work of dark forces.” “Once an Awami Leaguer, always an Awami Leaguer,” Hamim said, adding that Fazlur’s statements prove his loyalty lies elsewhere. He praised BNP for issuing a show-cause notice against Fazlur and urged the party to expel him permanently.

In 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina granted 900 acres of land in Mirsarai, Chattogram, free of cost to India’s Adani Group for a Special Economic Zone, during her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Analysts argue this served India’s interests unilaterally while undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Later, another 700 acres of farmland were acquired on Hasina’s assurance, without any written agreement. India established a jetty on the Bay of Bengal coast and began using the Maitree Bridge over the Feni River to transport goods to its northeastern states. Local farmers lost their land, Indian workers dominated the project, and access restrictions fueled public outrage, which was suppressed by authorities. Critics described the project as “a slice of India inside Bangladesh,” warning it posed grave risks to national independence and security. After Sheikh Hasina’s ouster on August 5, 2024, Indian personnel withdrew, and BEZA has since proposed canceling the project. A letter has been sent to India, but no response has been received.

Two days have passed since Bangladesh Agricultural University announced an emergency syndicate meeting on reopening the campus, yet the meeting has not taken place, leaving the future of the university uncertain. A virtual discussion was scheduled on lifting the closure order and reopening student halls, but it stalled due to the absence of student representatives. The university’s student affairs advisor said recommendations from prior student consultations will be placed in writing before the syndicate. Students, meanwhile, hinted at announcing fresh programs after further discussions.

Islamic Movement Bangladesh’s Amir, Shaikh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, has declared that Islamic-based politics has no substitute in Bangladesh as the people of the country are deeply devoted to Islam. Speaking at a massive public rally in Raipura, Narsingdi, he stressed that extortionists, terrorists, and corrupt individuals must not be allowed into parliament. He called for the establishment of an Islamic welfare state to ensure justice and prosperity for all.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for Inqilab Manch, declared that no threats could silence their struggle against foreign dominance. “Death is decided not on earth but in the heavens,” Hadi said. “If they kill one Abrar, thousands more will rise. If I fall, my son will fight, and his son after him. This struggle for freedom will never end.” Hadi urged supporters not to be intimidated, vowing to continue the fight “until the Day of Judgment.” He added: “We were born from our mother’s womb for martyrdom. The battle will go on. Inqilab Zindabad.”

Indonesia is in turmoil as mass protests spiral into a nationwide uprising following a controversial decision to increase MPs’ allowances. For over a week, demonstrations have erupted across the country—women in pink uniforms marched with brooms, protesters torched regional parliament buildings, and violent clashes with police left casualties. The spark came on August 25 in Jakarta but escalated after a 21-year-old motorcyclist was killed on August 28, run over by a police vehicle during clashes. Despite apologies from President Prabowo Subianto and the police chief, unrest continues. Protesters say MPs already earn over 100 million rupiah ($6,150) per month—30 times the national average—while ordinary citizens struggle with rising costs. Experts warn the uprising could reshape Indonesia’s political system.

Thousands of Israelis marched in Jerusalem against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza. Protesters lit fires and clashed with police outside his residence. Another crowd gathered in front of the Knesset, while demonstrators blocked train tracks before being dispersed with water cannons. Critics accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain at the expense of hostages still held by Hamas. “He is risking their lives to serve his own agenda,” one protester said.

Rajshahi University’s Shah Makhdum Hall Chhatra Dal has permanently expelled its vice-president, A.R. Milon Khan, for referring to 91 female students as “unpaid sex workers.” The organization also decided to file a case against him with Motihar Police Station. Earlier, Milon had claimed his Facebook account was hacked, but an internal probe found otherwise. Investigators said Milon failed to provide satisfactory explanations and repeatedly avoided contact, proving the offensive remarks were deliberate. The university administration has been urged to take legal action under existing laws.

At least 73 Palestinians were killed in a single day of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, including 43 in Gaza City alone. Hamas has condemned the assault as “genocide,” urging urgent UN and international intervention. Reports indicate entire families sheltering in tents and schools were wiped out. Since August 13, Israel has carried out over 100 robotic bombings in Gaza City, leveling residential blocks and killing around 1,100 people. The UN warns that the offensive could displace up to one million Palestinians. Between August 14 and 31 alone, 82,000 were newly displaced. Hamas denounced a strike on the Al-Jarisi family home in northern Gaza, which killed at least 10, as a “heinous war crime.”

India has announced that minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—who entered the country before December 31, 2024, fleeing religious persecution or fear thereof, may stay without valid travel documents. The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that even those who entered with passports or visas that have since expired will be protected. Analysts argue that the move serves two political goals for the ruling BJP: consolidating non-Muslim communities as a permanent vote bank and reinforcing India’s tilt toward a Hindu-nationalist state. In West Bengal, BJP junior minister Shantanu Thakur welcomed the order, calling it a breakthrough for the Matua community, a key vote bloc in the region.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court Appellate Division has upheld the acquittal of Tarique Rahman, former State Minister Lutfozzaman Babar, and others in the August 21 grenade attack case. The devastating 2004 attack on an Awami League rally left dozens dead and injured hundreds. A trial court had issued harsh sentences, but the High Court overturned them on December 1 last year, acquitting the accused. Following the High Court’s detailed verdict, the state filed appeals, which the Appellate Division has now dismissed, keeping the acquittals intact.

A Bangladeshi national has died while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Italy. His body was recovered late Monday from a migrant boat near Lampedusa, according to the Italian Coast Guard and Financial Police. The vessel, which departed from North Africa, carried 52 migrants—51 of whom were rescued alive. Authorities suspect the Bangladeshi died from inhaling toxic fuel fumes. His identity remains unknown. Survivors from Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Syria, Sudan, and Bangladesh reported that another migrant had fallen overboard during the journey and could not be saved. Italy says 43,860 irregular migrants have landed by sea so far this year, including 13,271 Bangladeshis—the largest national group.

A violent attack targeted the Sohag Paribahan ticket counter and the adjacent residence of its owner, Palash Talukdar, near Malibagh Railgate late Wednesday night. Around 11:15 PM, a group of 60–70 men stormed the counter, smashing property and launching a brutal assault. Palash Talukdar sustained injuries, while his driver Mamun was critically wounded by sharp weapons. Palash’s brother, Majedul Haque Nadim, alleged that members of the ruling party’s volunteer wing carried out the attack. Police confirmed that a team rushed to the scene after receiving a 999 emergency call.

BNP leader Shama Obaid promised that if BNP forms the next government, it will ensure employment opportunities for students and youth, while eliminating partisan favoritism in recruitment. She said, “Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform program, inspired by Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point vision, will be delivered to every household. To build a new Bangladesh, reforms in every sector are essential.” Accusing the Awami League of destroying institutions and looting national wealth before fleeing, she stressed the need to implement the 31-point agenda for good governance, accountability, and balanced power between the president and prime minister. Key reforms include limiting any individual to two terms as prime minister and establishing a bicameral parliament. Shama said BNP would introduce a “Family Card” for marginalized communities and ensure jobs based on merit, not political affiliation. “The fascist Awami League is gone, but until people’s voting rights are fully restored, our movement must continue,” she concluded.